Bond set at $275,000 for suspect in Cincinnati semi-involved chase, hostage situation

CINCINNATI — UPDATE @ 11:25 a.m. (July 20, 2020)

A judge on Monday gave a man who is accused of holding his wife hostage on Saturday inside a semi a $275,000 bond. Patrick Berthelot, 40, is also accused of leading police on a pursuit that lasted several hours, according to our news partners at WCPO-TV.

Berthelot was arrested around 3:45 p.m. Saturday after officers deployed a stun gun on him, WCPO-TV said,

UPDATE @ 6 p.m.

The hostage in the semi-involved chase in Cincinnati is the driver’s wife, WCPO-TV reported.

State Highway Patrol began pursuing the semi when they received a 9-1-1 call regarding a reckless driver.

The pursuit began on I-75 south in Butler County. The driver travelled on Fort Washington Way, then headed north on I-71 before getting onto I-275 west where he began driving in circles near Kellog and Asbury roads.

Officers learned the incident was a hostage situation and called SWAT to the scene.

A SWAT sniper shot a .50 caliber rifle round into the engine block, assisting in disabling the vehicle.

The driver threatened to kill himself with a knife as officers approached the semi and stun gunned him. He was taken to the hospital and is in custody.

His hostage was also taken to the hospital and is thought to have a broken leg, according to WCPO.

The driver is out of state and will have charges in Hamilton County. He is also reported to have an aggravated assault warrant in Georgia.

UPDATE @ 4 p.m.:

Authorities have reportedly taken one person into custody following a chase on I-275.

We are working to learn more details about what caused the chase to begin and if there was in fact a hostage involved.

FIRST REPORT:

Cincinnati crews are currently chasing a semi trailer on east I-275.

The driver stopped for a moment near Kellogg Avenue before continuing east, according to our partners at WCPO-TV.

During the pursuit, crews closed I-275 in both directions near mile marker 69.

The driver briefly stopped the truck at I-275 and state Route 52.

WCPO-TV said initial reports indicate that the driver may have a hostage on board.

The Cincinnati Police Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol are working to clear the area along with other law enforcement agencies.

We are monitoring the situation and will update as we learn more.

Cox Media Group